Temple Israel / West Bloomfield, Michigan

The second largest Reform Congregation with over 3,000 members had a 100,000 sf facility with a large Sanctuary that was very cold, austere and focused on a non-inspirational Bimah. A historic Ark, reminiscent of the travelling Ark of the Tabernacle, that was carried from an earlier building, was the only element worth preserving.

With some very simple ideas including introducing natural and artificial light and creating a niche for the historic Ark, the entire focus of the sanctuary was transformed into a moving, spiritual background. The addition of the Tessarae art of Efram Weitzman,